Day 2,816

Growth:

“Go back to sleep, it’s raining out. No need to get up early and hike. Stay in your comfy bed and chill.”

– Mike’s Sleepy Voice

“Screw that, I’m going hiking.”

– Mike’s Right Voice

Yessir, I had a little battle with my inner voice that wanted to stay snuggled in, dry, and comfy this morning. It was misting when I woke up and there was a high likelihood of rain on its way when I was going to be out in the woods at about 5am. I fought the good fight, stayed strong, and got after it. The hike in the rain was amongst the most enjoyable solo morning hikes I’ve had in a long while.

My growth moment of today? Push past discomfort, that’s where the good stuff is!

Appreciation:

For reals, my hike this morning was truly epic… at least the first half was. The first half I spent entirely alone in a rainy forest. The sounds themselves were priceless. The pitter patter of rain was loud and soothing all at the same time as it seemingly echoed throughout the forest valley. The sounds of the outside world were completely drowned out, only raindrops, birdsong, and deer snorts remained.

At one point I leaned back with my pack against an old hickory and I watched the individual raindrops land on single leaves and cause them to bounce as if my magic. After watching this for a while I moved on to the stand of pines and took time to smell the fragrance of their bark. Such a delight!

While walking past an opening in the trees I chanced upon three deer all frozen and looking at me inquisitively. I spoke quietly to them, slowly walked past, and they bolted ten to twenty yards ahead of me. When I caught back up alongside them they almost seemed to match my pace and direction for half a moment. Such beauty, their tawny fur against the brilliant greens surrounding them. So peaceful, calm, and curious.

About halfway through my hike the trail runners came out in full force. They ran in packs with playful banter or solo with large smiles. Similar to myself, enjoying a moment of peace in the woods prior to returning to reality.

Time in the woods, time to pause and be truly present, time to be grateful for the wonders of nature.

Presence:

While enjoying the rain and the quiet forest I took a moment to record a video of the settings and the sounds around me. After recording for just over one minute I turned off the camera and realized someone was tired of me spending so much time in their spot. When I heard the second snort I couldn’t help but record a little more for everyone to hear the deer snort.

Thanks!!!